Prithvi Shaw's comeback points to rigorous rehab with potential IPL return

In the ongoing saga of Prithvi Shaw's return to competitive cricket, sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suggest that the talented 24-year-old may require an additional month before making a comeback. Shaw has been sidelined since August due to a knee ligament injury, prompting a meticulous rehabilitation process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

The BCCI plans to intensify his training over the next three weeks, subjecting him to a battery of agility drills and acceleration tests. The focus is on evaluating whether his injured knee can withstand the heightened demands of the game. While the right handed batter has displayed promising performances in batting and fielding drills, the crucial factor remains the robustness of his knee in handling increased acceleration, direction changes, and agility exercises.

Clearance for a return to competitive cricket hinges not only on his physical readiness but also on his participation in a few practice games. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is eyeing the possibility of his availability for the Ranji Trophy knockouts, though a more realistic target could be the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). Currently playing for Delhi Capitals in the IPL, the 24-year-old's last international appearance was over two years ago, with a hiatus that has spanned five Tests, six ODIs, and one T20I.

Mohammed Shami is set to fly to London for surgery

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who has been on the sidelines since the World Cup, is reportedly considering a trip to London for consultation with a specialist. Shami, who has been working on his injury with NCA sports science head Nitin Patel at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, is expected to embark on this journey soon.

The decision to seek expert advice in the UK was apparently made during their recent collaborative efforts at the NCA. While the exact timeline for the trip remained uncertain, sources suggest it will likely happen sooner rather than later. The decision comes following the recent move by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send Suryakumar Yadav to Germany for groin surgery.